I went to Michael's yesterday to get a few unneeded items and use my 40% off coupon before it expired. So I picked up some pretty string from the Martha Stewart collection and took my purchases to cashier lady. Cashier lady told me that I could not use my coupon on any Martha Stewart items because Martha doesn't accept coupons of any kind.
Okay, first of all, who even knew Martha started dabbling in scrapbook stuff? I thought she was strictly pots, pan, over-priced magazine and sheets queen. And second, who knew Martha was so hard up that she needed my $1.60 and therefore would not accept my coupon? Bless her heart. I had no idea things were so tough for Martha. I guess once you're an ex-con, nobody will give you a break.
Feast One Hundred & Fifty Eight
Appetizer
Who is the easiest person for you to talk to?
Vickie. Always.
Soup
If you could live in any ancient city during the height of the quality of its society and culture, which one would you choose?
Not a clue. Maybe Rome. Definitely a place where I was royalty, though.
Salad
What is the most exciting event you’ve ever witnessed?
Magglio Ordonez's walk-off homerun that sent the Tigers to the World Series. That was on TV, though. In person, I'd probably have to go with Hurricane Ivan in 2005.
Main Course
If you were a celebrity, what would you do for a publicity stunt?
I'd do something good for animals. Maybe I could be the UN ambassador for animal rights. Angelina & I could sit next to each other on the UN jet and I could find out what the hell she was thinking when she wore Billy Bob's blood in a vile around her neck.
Dessert
What do you consider the ideal age to have a first child?
Late 20's. I think everyone should have pets first, though.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Odds & Ends
* I decided that my next book is going to be Daisy Fay & the Miracle Man by Fannie Flagg. I wanted something light and humorous to occupy the next couple of weeks before school starts back up. I had forgotten about this book and found it on the bookcase while I was cleaning. What a nice surprise!
* I've been trying to exercise more and I think I'm doing pretty well, so far. I've been alternating bike riding and the treadmill. I can definitely feel the difference in my thighs.
* I got my hair cut shorter for the rest of the summer and Vic gave me the Miss Clairol treatment the other night. I'm not sure if we grabbed the wrong box or if the shorter length of my hair makes a difference, but my hair is now a lot darker; it's almost a reddish-brown color. I like it and it's nice to have hair that I don't have to fuss with.
* I've been scouring the papers and the internet for a new job, but no success yet. It's really hard to get a hospital job for some reason. I think it's one of those "you gotta know somebody" type deals. I'm getting a little frustrated. But I must say that I'm really enjoying the time off of work. I've been organizing like crazy and I'm getting almost-finished projects finished. I think next week I'll have to just give in and start painting. I absolutely hate painting! I just suck at it. Why can't I cross-stitch the walls instead?
* You know how you'll discover a food that's been around forever, but that you never really tried and now you eat it all the time? No? Well, I have and it's flavored Twizzlers. Who knew?
* I've been trying to exercise more and I think I'm doing pretty well, so far. I've been alternating bike riding and the treadmill. I can definitely feel the difference in my thighs.
* I got my hair cut shorter for the rest of the summer and Vic gave me the Miss Clairol treatment the other night. I'm not sure if we grabbed the wrong box or if the shorter length of my hair makes a difference, but my hair is now a lot darker; it's almost a reddish-brown color. I like it and it's nice to have hair that I don't have to fuss with.
* I've been scouring the papers and the internet for a new job, but no success yet. It's really hard to get a hospital job for some reason. I think it's one of those "you gotta know somebody" type deals. I'm getting a little frustrated. But I must say that I'm really enjoying the time off of work. I've been organizing like crazy and I'm getting almost-finished projects finished. I think next week I'll have to just give in and start painting. I absolutely hate painting! I just suck at it. Why can't I cross-stitch the walls instead?
* You know how you'll discover a food that's been around forever, but that you never really tried and now you eat it all the time? No? Well, I have and it's flavored Twizzlers. Who knew?
Monday, August 27, 2007
Finished
This turned out to be a pretty productive weekend as far as projects go. First I finished our London scrapbook. We took the trip in March '05, so finally getting the scrapbbook of our trip finished was quite an accomplishment. It seemed like there was always something to keep me from working on the book, but at the beginning of last week I decided I was thru looking at it and spent almost every night in the the craft room. Now I can finally get started on the every day journal of our life. I'm only 2 years behind!
I also finally finished the last Harry Potter book. It was definitely one of the best books in the series. Finishing it was kind've sad, though, because this means there won't be any more Harry books to read. I really became quite attached to him and the rest of the gang over the years. I'm not sure what I'll read next. I'm leaning toward either a Martha Grimes book or one of James Patterson's.
I also finally finished the last Harry Potter book. It was definitely one of the best books in the series. Finishing it was kind've sad, though, because this means there won't be any more Harry books to read. I really became quite attached to him and the rest of the gang over the years. I'm not sure what I'll read next. I'm leaning toward either a Martha Grimes book or one of James Patterson's.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Rainy Weekend
I just got home from my bike ride in the park and it looks like I just beat the rain. It's thundering & lightning something fierce outside right now. I'm glad I'm home for Shannon, because when it's thundering out, she gets to be the size of a chihuahua.
If it's not raining in the morning, Vic & I are going to try to do hit a few garage sales. We keep saying we're going to go some weekend, but haven't yet.
Feast One Hundred & Fifty Seven
Appetizer Say there’s a book written about your life. Who would you want to narrate the audio version?
Sigourney Weaver or Stockard Channing
Soup Take the letters from your favorite kind of nut and write a sentence. (Example: Perhaps every avenue needs understanding today.)
All little monkeys open new doors.
Salad If you could go back in time and spend one week in another decade, which decade would you choose?
The late 1800s, but only if I was very rich.
Main Course Name a song that brings back memories for you.
"Rock Me Amadeus" It was very popular while I was living in Germany and whenever I hear it I think of my time spent overseas.
Dessert Do you prefer to wash your hands in cold water or warm water?
Cold, I think.
If it's not raining in the morning, Vic & I are going to try to do hit a few garage sales. We keep saying we're going to go some weekend, but haven't yet.
Feast One Hundred & Fifty Seven
Appetizer Say there’s a book written about your life. Who would you want to narrate the audio version?
Sigourney Weaver or Stockard Channing
Soup Take the letters from your favorite kind of nut and write a sentence. (Example: Perhaps every avenue needs understanding today.)
All little monkeys open new doors.
Salad If you could go back in time and spend one week in another decade, which decade would you choose?
The late 1800s, but only if I was very rich.
Main Course Name a song that brings back memories for you.
"Rock Me Amadeus" It was very popular while I was living in Germany and whenever I hear it I think of my time spent overseas.
Dessert Do you prefer to wash your hands in cold water or warm water?
Cold, I think.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Life of the Unemployed
I wasn't sure what life would be like after I quit my job, but now that I've been a kept-woman for just short of two weeks I must say that it feels like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. Of course a different "oh my god, how are we gonna pay the bills when the money runs out" burden has taken its place, but that's for a different blog. I was sooo incredibly stressed out by my job ~ not just the hours and the people, but I think I finally reached that burned-out point where you just can't take hearing about another person who was raped, or kids stealing cars, or people screaming at me that they need the police to discipline their children. I had become so jaded and distrustful of everyone I met. I really needed to get away from the whole law enforcement arena.
I've been actively looking for another job, preferably in the medical field, but I've also been putting this "down time" to good use. Since I absolutely suck at painting, I've been concentrating on organizing; getting rid of stuff we don't need, creating better accesability to the stuff we do need, and trying to keep the house tidy (and somewhat clean) on a daily basis. I've also started exercising more and really working on trying to catch up with the scrapbooks. I know that eventually I'll find a job, even if it's just something short-term, so right now I'm just enjoying not having any work-related stress to deal with.
I've been actively looking for another job, preferably in the medical field, but I've also been putting this "down time" to good use. Since I absolutely suck at painting, I've been concentrating on organizing; getting rid of stuff we don't need, creating better accesability to the stuff we do need, and trying to keep the house tidy (and somewhat clean) on a daily basis. I've also started exercising more and really working on trying to catch up with the scrapbooks. I know that eventually I'll find a job, even if it's just something short-term, so right now I'm just enjoying not having any work-related stress to deal with.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Unsuccessful List
Since I am now at the tender age of forty-something, I have come to realize that there are some things I'm just never going to achieve success at in my lifetime. Although a little disheartening, I'm still pretty much okay with this realization, because there are a lot of things I'm capable of doing pretty well. But still, wouldn't it be great if I didn't have a list like the following at all?
Stuff I Will Never Do Successfully
by: Casey
1. Climb Mount Everest
2. Compete in the X-Games
3. Paint the bathroom trim without backing into it before it's dry or finding drip marks after it's completed
4. Pee while standing up (without dribbling on my shoes)
Stuff I Will Never Do Successfully
by: Casey
1. Climb Mount Everest
2. Compete in the X-Games
3. Paint the bathroom trim without backing into it before it's dry or finding drip marks after it's completed
4. Pee while standing up (without dribbling on my shoes)
Monday, August 20, 2007
A Splash of Nice
The picture of Vickie shmooshing her nose against my Jeep window has absolutely nothing to do with this past weekend, but I really thought it would be a waste not to share her weirdo-ness with everyone I know. This past Saturday was a beautiful, breezy day...which turned to cold and rainy by the evening. It's been raining non-stop since about 7pm Saturday night. This is actually a good thing because our grass really needed it and rainy weather is good for studying for finals. It's also been cold (ish). We've been wearing sweats all weekend and it's been kind've a nice change of pace. I'm sure we'll have plenty more hot days, but this little splash of Fall is a nice surprise.
Today was my last day of class (yea!) until the Fall quarter begins at the end of September. I think I did pretty good on my final, but won't find out for sure until later this week. I hate having to wait for my grade. I think they should be able to give it to us the next day. School twits!
Today was my last day of class (yea!) until the Fall quarter begins at the end of September. I think I did pretty good on my final, but won't find out for sure until later this week. I hate having to wait for my grade. I think they should be able to give it to us the next day. School twits!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Feasting
Monday is my last day of class, so a major part of this weekend will probably be spent studying for my final. I really want to get an "A" in this class. I'm looking forward to school being over; my plan is to begin the various painting jobs I have set up around the house. We really need to paint the living room, so that will probably be the first room I tackle.
Feast One Hundred & Fifty Six
Appetizer
Describe your laundry routine. Do you have a certain day when you do it all, or do you just wash whatever you need for the next day?
I usually wait until the laundry basket is full and then I'll start washing clothes. I really try to get all the laundry finished in one day.
Soup
In your opinion, what age will you be when you’ll consider yourself to truly be old?
I'm not sure. It'll probably be when I have to start wearing Depends.
Salad
What is one of your goals? Is it short-term, long-term, or both?
To get into better shape. I've set a series of short-term goals in the hope that this will make it easier to achieve my long-term goal.
Main Course
Name something unbelievable you’ve seen or read lately.
The Tigers have optioned Omar Infante down to their AAA Toledo club. Infante is an excellent utility player, capable of filling-in at just about any position. I think that was a real bonehead move on the Tigers part.
Dessert
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how happy are you today?
A solid 10. There is a wonderful breeze out, I don't have to go to work, and I'm looking forward to studying this afternoon and watching the Tigers whoop the Yankees this evening!
Feast One Hundred & Fifty Six
Appetizer
Describe your laundry routine. Do you have a certain day when you do it all, or do you just wash whatever you need for the next day?
I usually wait until the laundry basket is full and then I'll start washing clothes. I really try to get all the laundry finished in one day.
Soup
In your opinion, what age will you be when you’ll consider yourself to truly be old?
I'm not sure. It'll probably be when I have to start wearing Depends.
Salad
What is one of your goals? Is it short-term, long-term, or both?
To get into better shape. I've set a series of short-term goals in the hope that this will make it easier to achieve my long-term goal.
Main Course
Name something unbelievable you’ve seen or read lately.
The Tigers have optioned Omar Infante down to their AAA Toledo club. Infante is an excellent utility player, capable of filling-in at just about any position. I think that was a real bonehead move on the Tigers part.
Dessert
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how happy are you today?
A solid 10. There is a wonderful breeze out, I don't have to go to work, and I'm looking forward to studying this afternoon and watching the Tigers whoop the Yankees this evening!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The Week In Review
Thursday - Thursday was my last night at work and it seemed like that night lasted a week! I thought 11:00pm would never come! But it did, and now I am a "kept woman." Our friends, Steph and Dee, drove up from TN and arrived shortly before I came home and we spent the remainder of the evening catching up on stuff.
Friday - We got up earlyish and the four of us headed north to beautiful Ontario, Canada and the Celtic Festival in Goderich. We took the ferry over, instead of taking the Bluewater Bridge, and took our time driving thru Ontario. The route we drove took us thru some beautiful farmland and into some quaint little towns. Along the way, we stopped for a quick swim at Ipperwash Beach on Lake Huron; I've now swam in two of the five Great Lakes. (Erie was the first.) We arrived at our motel in Goderich early that evening and settled in with a few beers and Mike's Hard Lemonades.
Saturday - We spent all of Saturday at the Celtic Festival. What a blast. We heard some great music and just spent the day relaxing and enjoying a few more adult beverages. That night, we made friends with our motel room neighbors, a couple of Canadian women who leave their husbands behind and have come to the last 8 festivals. They were really fun and we agreed to meet up again for next year's festival.
Sunday - We took our time driving back home and when we got to the border found we had a 3 hour wait at the bridge! So we took a detour and headed for the ferry...where we had a 3 hour wait. At least we weren't stuck on a bridge and we were able to get out of the car and wander around. Conveniently, there was a souvenir shop and an ice cream stand right near the ferry departure point, so we kept occupied.
Monday - Monday night we all went to the Tigers game. This was Dee's first ever major league sporting event. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost. The girls drowned their sorrows in MANY beers.
Tuesday - This was Steph and Dee's last night, so we grilled a few steaks (I set the table) and played cards (and drank) all night. This was a great way to end their vacation before their 12-hour drive on Wednesday. Vic & I always have a lot of fun when they visit. Steph and Vic went to school together, and I think she is trying to talk Dee into moving north. The Summers are just too unbearably hot in TN.
Wednesday - Today was spent catching up. I visited with Vic's mom for a few hours in the morning and have spent the remainder of the day doing laundry and studying for my final next Monday. The idea of not having to go to work hasn't really sunk in yet. I think I'll really feel it next week, after class on Monday morning. I'm looking forward to getting some stuff done around the house and just not stressing about that dumb job anymore. I'll keep you updated.
Friday - We got up earlyish and the four of us headed north to beautiful Ontario, Canada and the Celtic Festival in Goderich. We took the ferry over, instead of taking the Bluewater Bridge, and took our time driving thru Ontario. The route we drove took us thru some beautiful farmland and into some quaint little towns. Along the way, we stopped for a quick swim at Ipperwash Beach on Lake Huron; I've now swam in two of the five Great Lakes. (Erie was the first.) We arrived at our motel in Goderich early that evening and settled in with a few beers and Mike's Hard Lemonades.
Saturday - We spent all of Saturday at the Celtic Festival. What a blast. We heard some great music and just spent the day relaxing and enjoying a few more adult beverages. That night, we made friends with our motel room neighbors, a couple of Canadian women who leave their husbands behind and have come to the last 8 festivals. They were really fun and we agreed to meet up again for next year's festival.
Sunday - We took our time driving back home and when we got to the border found we had a 3 hour wait at the bridge! So we took a detour and headed for the ferry...where we had a 3 hour wait. At least we weren't stuck on a bridge and we were able to get out of the car and wander around. Conveniently, there was a souvenir shop and an ice cream stand right near the ferry departure point, so we kept occupied.
Monday - Monday night we all went to the Tigers game. This was Dee's first ever major league sporting event. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost. The girls drowned their sorrows in MANY beers.
Tuesday - This was Steph and Dee's last night, so we grilled a few steaks (I set the table) and played cards (and drank) all night. This was a great way to end their vacation before their 12-hour drive on Wednesday. Vic & I always have a lot of fun when they visit. Steph and Vic went to school together, and I think she is trying to talk Dee into moving north. The Summers are just too unbearably hot in TN.
Wednesday - Today was spent catching up. I visited with Vic's mom for a few hours in the morning and have spent the remainder of the day doing laundry and studying for my final next Monday. The idea of not having to go to work hasn't really sunk in yet. I think I'll really feel it next week, after class on Monday morning. I'm looking forward to getting some stuff done around the house and just not stressing about that dumb job anymore. I'll keep you updated.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Highland Games
Saturday was hot, hot, hot, but a great day to be out at the Highland Games. We partook of some great music and some great games and occasionally just found a shady spot to sit and people watch. A lot of people dress in their family kilts and really get decked out. Of all the pics I took, I thought this was the one most of you would be interested in seeing ~ Vic looking spiffy in her Macdonald plaid, complete with sporran (little purse thing in front) and sock flashes (little red flag things hanging off her sockies). This is one of those annual events you always try to make because you know you'll have a good time. I hope I can say the same for the Celtic Festival we're attending this coming weekend. It sounds like it should be a blast.
Friday, August 03, 2007
The Weekend Ahead
Finally...it seems like it took forever for Friday to get here! This week has absolutely dragged for me. I guess knowing my last day of work is in sight makes the days before seem like an eternity. It's also been very hot here. All week we've had "ozone days" where the local TV stations run those little scrolly things at the bottom of the screen telling everyone to stay inside. Luckily, we don't have any outdoor house projects planned for this weekend.
I'm hoping Saturday will cool off a bit, though, because Vic & I are going to the Highland Games early that morning. We went last year and had a blast! A lot of great pipes & drums music and highland games like the cabre toss and the haggis hurl. And this year Vic will be wearing a kilt! She's spent all year outfitting it and this will be the first chance she'll have to wear the whole ensemble out amongst the public. I'll be sure to include a picture.
Next weekend our friends from Tennessee are coming up for a visit and we are all heading up to Goderich, ON, Canada for the Celtic Festival. (Another kilt-wearing opportunity!) Goderich is about 2 hours north of Detroit. I'm looking forward to a nice, leisurely drive up. Maybe we'll spot some Canadians along the way, eh!
I'm hoping Saturday will cool off a bit, though, because Vic & I are going to the Highland Games early that morning. We went last year and had a blast! A lot of great pipes & drums music and highland games like the cabre toss and the haggis hurl. And this year Vic will be wearing a kilt! She's spent all year outfitting it and this will be the first chance she'll have to wear the whole ensemble out amongst the public. I'll be sure to include a picture.
Next weekend our friends from Tennessee are coming up for a visit and we are all heading up to Goderich, ON, Canada for the Celtic Festival. (Another kilt-wearing opportunity!) Goderich is about 2 hours north of Detroit. I'm looking forward to a nice, leisurely drive up. Maybe we'll spot some Canadians along the way, eh!
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